Akinwumiju Oluwaseyi, popularly known as Seyi Pencil, is a Visual Artist and a 300-level student of Philosophy. In an interview with the NAPS Press News Editor, he shared his journey in the world of Art; his inspirations, and his achievements. He also gave pointers for those who wish to pursue a passion that is outside their course of study.
Pressman: Good day, please can we meet you?
Seyi: Good day my name is Akinwumiju Oluwaseyi popularly
known as Seyi. I am a Visual Artist and a 300-level philosophy student at the
great University of Ibadan.
Pressman: A
visual artist? That’s nice. When did you delve into the realm of Arts?
Seyi: Well I have always had the gift of Art since I
was a child I will say I started drawing, painting, and creating all forms of
Art when I was in Nursery class back in those days, but I never imagined I was
going to become a full-time Artist Professionally. All I did back then was for
the fun of creating. I started my Art Journey officially in 2018 a year after I
was done with secondary school education and since then I have been able to
grow and get to places I never imagined I could be if I wasn’t into Art. It has
always been my dream to be an Artist I knew it was my destiny and calling in
life but As God will have his way I started at the right time.
Pressman: Wow, so that means Art has always been your
passion.
Pressman: Since you said you decided to go fully into
Art before your admission to UI, why did you choose Philosophy? Or did
Philosophy choose you?
Seyi: I chose philosophy actually but not for JAMB after
JAMB made a change of course. I wasn’t going to study philosophy I was going to
study any course that wasn’t related to Art that’s because I needed my own time
and personal thinking for my own work and not occupied with Art assignments and
projects from school. That has actually worked for me because the only focus is
on my Art alone and I’m able to manage my Capital and invest properly in my Art
and not spend excessively on Art projects or assignments in school.
Then one more thing I believe I don’t want my Artistic
knowledge or thinking to be determined or limited by grades from lecturers Art
is a practical Realm sometimes low grades from lecturers often makes student lose
their self-confidence and thinking ability. I have people I coach/teach who are
Art students in different institutions sometimes university doesn’t give enough
room for practical aspects of Art just theoretical aspects mostly.
Pressman: Oh, I understand your point. So, has
Philosophy in any way helped or influenced your art?
Seyi: As much as philosophy is difficult, I will say
yes! The way I think and carry myself amongst other Artists. It makes me see
life differently and has added value to my personality. Some of my works are
inspired by philosophical thoughts
Pressman: Interesting. Does that mean that every of
your work has a story to tell?
Seyi: Absolutely my works are inspired by reality.
And reality involves (the human world and everything inside) the ups and downs,
the good side the bad side the chaos, and the Joy in it. Things going on all
around me are what I try to speak about through my Art. Like I do say, “Art
speaks louder than the words of the mouth, Art is a voice for the Voiceless.
All our emotions, feelings, and thoughts can be expressed in Art.
Pressman: So, I’ve been to your Instagram page,
@seyi_pencil, and I’ve seen your Art being sold to people outside the country,
how do you get their attention?
Seyi: Having a standard social media page takes care
of everything all I do is post with the right hashtags and share with people.
From there potential clients get across to me. I don’t sell my Art on any
online platforms
Pressman: True, the power of social media. I think I have heard you say, that you are self-taught, how did you do it? What
channels helped your improvements? Did you use YouTube or what?
Seyi: Yes, I am a self-taught Artist. Yes, YouTube
videos only helped with the basics and studying the works of other great
Artists online. I don’t go about asking questions in Artist DMS they can’t
always be there when you need help so I tend to be independent ( independent
Artist) with no sponsors or mentors just doing my thing. And sure I have people
who inspired me
Pressman: That’s really good. So, what do you have to
say to people who have a passion for something but it isn’t related to their
course of study?
Seyi: First thing I will say to them is just start
don’t think about it don’t doubt it if you will be able to carry on with it or
not.
Don’t wait till you have enough capital to start with or you
don’t have enough support from either your parents, friends, or family.
Don’t listen to critics or discouragement, there will always
be people who will try to talk you out of things when you are already on the
right part.
Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t doubt your potential.
It doesn’t get easy along the way but be committed to your goals and dreams and
never give room for negativity
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